ARB Sahara bar install on Stock LX470

[George M]

I have a friend planning to install the ARB Sahara bar (model 3913140) on his stock '99 LX470. He plans to mount a Warn 9000 winch. He is concerned about the ease of bolting on the ARB unit and the effect of the combined weight of bumper and winch on the auto height control system. He is not planning to replace the stock suspension with an aftermarket setup.

Has anyone here some experience with this particular install? Does the vehicle sag forward? Thank you for your help.

 

[ChuckB]

I had the Sahara Bar on my LX (sans winch) and there was no problem with the AHC compensating for the extra weight. How much does the winch weigh?

 

[George M]

The winch weighs around 85lbs. The bumper bolted on alright? Are spacers/shims or drilling needed?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Sawyer]

You will need to cut the frame horns off and you willl need to drill to pin it. Put it on... drive it around for a day or two... flex it out a bit.... see if it shifts at all... if it does adjust it.... then pin it. it has everything you need to do in the instructions......however... the instructions are horrible and you get a bag of bolts which can be a challenge to figure out what goes where....

 

[ChuckB]

No drilling required for the Sahara. I believe you are thinking about putting the '03+ bumpers on the '98-02 which does requires cutting/drilling.

You can probably find your answer here 100-Series Forum - IH8MUD

 

[hoser]

Your friend will want to crank up the front t-bars a few turns... but don't touch the AHC sensor adjustments. Also, if not done already, switch to synthetic line.

 

[George M]

Hoser, could I trouble you for a picture of the t-bar you mention? I should have taken a better look at the suspension before I left for sea this time. I'd like to be prepared to bolt the unit on when I get back in a month. Thanks for your trouble.

I'll try to sell him on synthetic line. They are nice.

Cheers

 

[hoser]

This is not an LC100 but rather a Frontier. It looks similar though. I pulled this pic up from a quick google search. At the end of the torsion bar, aft of the front suspension is the adjustment bolt. It is 30mm.

The AHC carries part of the weight of the vehicle and the T-bars/springs carry the other part. AHC has a weight limit and will show an error if this weight is exceeded. By cranking the torsion bar some, after adding extra weight, you'll have compensated so that the AHC system does not see any (or too much) extra weight.

I don't know exactly how many turns but I'd guess to say somewhere between 2-5 full turns per side. There is a way to measure the AHC system pressure but requires some extra tools. I think trial and error is good enough for most folks. If you go too far, the suspension will feel bouncy and under-damped. Make sure you turn the adjustment bolt in the correct direction as if you were lifting the vehicle's suspension.

 

[George M]

Thank you. That information will be really helpful.

Happy motoring.